#two mugs. one for building my drink in one for frothing my milk in

[queer-crusader]

Meet my beautiful coffee and matcha/hot drinks corner and my beautiful new son, the milk frother.

I got into the (mostly coffee based) YT channel of Morgan Eckroth recently and while I don't drink coffee all that often (and NEVER drank matcha but enjoyed matcha sticks at cons at times), I felt an urge to whimsy up my life. Just add a tiny bit of luxury, especially on those days I work from home. So for Christmas I asked for matcha powder and a milk frother (lovingly dubbed by me and my sister as a milk brother after a wonderful autocorrect/typo, resulting in the frequent use of the phrase "brothering the milk"), and now I have a wee drinks station!

Yes, it takes a wee while to make something, especially if I add matcha (you get the added steps of soaking loose the matcha whisk and whisking up a little batch rather than dumping powder in a mug if u wanna do it "right"). I also heat up my milk, for which it takes a bit of trial and error to find the right length of time in the microwave. It also took a bit of trial and error to learn how to wield the milk brother to get a well-aerated milk with a good amount of froth. But after a few days of experimentation and play over the Christmas holidays, I now make my own cappuccinos, matcha lattes, dirty matcha lattes (coffee with matcha), or as I did just now, a dirty matcha latte with added cocoa powder (yes, that works! Matcha hot cocoa is also a wonderfully comforting drink if you don't mind the caffeine!). Behold!

(I usually use a smaller mug so I didn't use enough milk and base to fill her up but she tastes wonderful!)

I've also made my own flavour infused syrup for my coffees!! We had a horrible teabag lying around no-one will ever drink with hazelnut and cocoa flavour (she tastes super chemical), so I made a simple syrup and soaked the tea in the water for that syrup. I also added some cinnamon to it. She still tastes a little like fake chemical flavour, but also due to the high amount of slightly caramelised sugar and cinnamon, like stroopwafel syrup. So it's a wonderful coffee addition that's so simple to make! And I can and will make so many more in the future!! Cinnamon flavour!! Cardamom flavour!! Peanut flavour for my snickers hot cocoa urge!! The world is at my feet and NOTHING CAN STOP ME *MANIACAL LAUGHTER*

#anne speaks #long post #once u grasp the skill of frothing milk and making syrup (both really simple with some guidance) the world is at your feet #highly recommend if you can't afford starbucks or wanna make your own special fun flavoured drinks at home #plus the wee ritual that comes with making each drink is good for the soul!! #for me it's like. two wee bowls. one for soaking my matcha whisk one for whisking the matcha in #two mugs. one for building my drink in one for frothing my milk in #then when im finished i rinse my stuff real quick. i put some liquid dish soap in either the milk mug or the matcha bowl (or both whatever) #and then put the milk brother in to make a soapy foam that simultaneously cleans mug/bowl and brother #then quickly wash soap off the frother. turn it on for two secs and the spinning force dries it #and it's the same steps every time with slight variation if i use matcha or if it's a pure coffee drink or whatever #and of course the building the drink can vary slightly depending on strength or flavour #do i add coffee/matcha? do i add cocoa powder (if yes don't add hot water but hot milk to base of coffee or cocoa turns watery) #do i add sugar? a fun flavoured syrup? am i being a Fancy Bitch and adding a splash of maple syrup? #OR for extra fanciness. do i add my flavoured/maple syrup to the milk before i froth it so the foam is sweet and flavoured! #so many variations BUT all with its soothing wee ritual

[pascalpanic]

Caffeine Rush: Chapter Three / Cappucino

Summary: Javier shows up to your coffee shop again, at an ungodly hour.

W/C: 3K

Warnings: food/eating, coffee, implied age gap (reader is about 25)

A/N: I don’t have anything to say I just hope you guys enjoy :)) OH JK YES I DO: I’ve decided that Caffeine Rush will come out on mondays or tuesdays, alternating every week!

previous chapter || next chapter || masterlist

Cappuccino: two-thirds frothed milk, one-third espresso. Light and airy, full of fluff. Has a stronger coffee flavor than a latte.

As you drive him back to the hotel, you smile over at him. He looks so gorgeous, his dark hair dampened from the snow, his lips soft and extra pink from being pressed to yours. “How long did you say you’re in town for?” You ask him.

“A month,” the man tells you with a nod. “There’s a whole policy with vacation time. Use it or lose it, basically. They told me I had to use it now, so I told them to give me a month. I really have about… three months saved up now,” he chuckles.

The thought makes you grin. Javier will be here for Christmas. He’ll be here for New Year’s- that is, if he’s staying.  “And what are your plans for it?” You ask softly. You hope whatever they are, they won’t take him away from you.

Javier is eating the second red velvet cake in the passenger’s seat, and you giggle at the sight before turning back to the road. Crumbs gather on the top of his shirt and in his mustache, flecks of red in the warm brown.

He smiles at your laughter. “I have none. I have no work to do. I can’t go back to Colombia early- well, I could, but I won’t be working so it wouldn’t be worth much,” he sighs, thinking aloud. “I could go home and visit my father, but I couldn’t stay there for very long. My hometown is a place you only want to stay for two or three days, at most.”

Your eyes watch his face, that surprisingly soft skin and how it moves with his expressions. Your eyes are holding a question, even if you don’t ask it aloud. Javier can read it without your words as he turns to look at you. “I’ve heard D.C. is nice over the holidays,” you offer softly. It’s less of an offer and more of a silent question: please stay. I want you to stay.

Turning back to you, there’s cream cheese frosting in his mustache and an adorable smirk on his face. Just when you thought it was impossible for this man to be any more beautiful. “I think that sounds like a wonderful idea. Then, like I said earlier, I have time to properly romance you.”

You grin and stare at the road. “I don’t normally kiss on the first date. I don’t think it’ll be hard for you to romance me,” you tease. “I can be your personal tour guide to the city. I only work mornings, so we can do whatever we want all day and night. Which is good, because the Smithsonians are only open during the day, and I want to take you to all of them.”

You ramble when you’re excited. Javier can already tell, can see you slowly leaving that shell you’ve hidden yourself in through all of your time in D.C. Your eyes glimmer in excitement as you consider the things you can do, the places you can take him.

Javier smiles back. “You’ll have to show me everything. I’ve never been here for anything other than work.”

“Oh, trust me,” you laugh. “I know all the best parts of the city. You’ll never be bored with me around.”

Javier’s immediately certain that’s true.

-

You told Javier last night that you work from 5:00  to 10:30, and he told you he’d swing by for a coffee. What else did he have to do without you?

What you didn’t expect was for the door chime to jingle at precisely 5:34, and for the customer that enters to be none other than the newest head of the DEA’s investigations into the Cali Cartel.

Rushing around the counter, you laugh and throw your arms around him. “Hi, Javi,” you chuckle and bury your face into his neck. He wears a warm red flannel and dark blue jeans, boots beneath them and a thick black coat over it all. He smells like soap and aftershave.

“I’m starting to like the fact that you’re a hugger,” he laughs as he hugs you back, resting his head on top of yours.

You break away and brush off your apron. “When I said you should come visit me, I meant, like, at normal human functioning hours. Like, maybe 9 or something.”

Javier frowns a little as he looks at you. “This is when I normally get up. Later than normal, actually,” he shrugs and puts his hands in his pockets. “You got a dark roast this morning?” He asks as he nods his head to the side, gesturing to the big vats of brewing coffee.

You smile at the question, chuckling a little. Of course he’s observant and remembers little details- it’s his literal job. “We do. Large redeye?” You ask, already heading behind the counter and back to the ceramic mugs.

The man tilts his head. “Actually… I think I changed my mind. Can I do another peppermint mocha?” he asks, a shy look on his face.

Looking up at him, you bite your lip at his expression. He’s so goddamn cute, really, even when he’s being ashamed for something stupid. “You don’t have to be shy about it,” you tease and nod. “There’s nothing less manly about you for ordering something sweet. In fact, most of the sweet drinks we make here are ordered by the business guys or Congressmen.”

Javier chuckles and leans forward on the counter on his elbows. “Oh, yeah?”

You nod and laugh at the memory of other customers. “Matthew, he works at the senators’ offices downtown, he’s a regular. He orders a caramel frappe with marshmallow and vanilla. Full shots of both.” As always, you happily chat as you make the recipe you know by heart.

Javier’s brow furrows. You’ve known the man maybe 24 hours, but you’re starting to get a good read on him. You can tell when he’s confused or worried or happy or stressed by the way his eyebrows position themselves. This one is a lighthearted confusion. “What’s a frappe?”

Your eyes glimmer with uncharacteristic excitement for so early in the morning. “Wait. So you’re telling me you’ve never had one?”

He shakes his head, pulling his leather jacket tighter around him. The shop is cold this early in the morning, before the body heat of customers and the steaming espresso machines warm the building. “No. What is it?” He asks again.

“It’s delicious, oh my god,” you grin. “It’s kind of like a coffee milkshake. It’s frozen and creamy, blended with ice and coffee. It’s my favorite in the summer, when hot drinks just feel too much.”

“So it’s light?” He asks, gratefully accepting his ceramic mug when you hand it over. It’s peaked with foamy white cream and pieces of candy canes. Javier thinks it reminds him of you. Soft, warm, sweet and indulgent. Energizing. Not like anything he’s ever had before, but he’s already addicted.

“Not really. Like I said, it’s really creamy. It’s like a milkshake, really. That’s the best way to describe it. Do you want me to make one and you can try some?” You offer as you stir the spare espresso shot with a little cream and sugar in a to-go cup for yourself. The warm sugary scent rises and you smile to yourself.

Javier shakes his head. “Not if it’s a cold drink. It’s too cold outside anyway. And in here. You do have heating in here, right?” He asks dryly as he sips the hot drink. You can see his broad shoulders soften, the tension rising into the air with the steam from his mocha.

You roll your eyes but shrug. “It’ll get hot in here later. I just appreciate that it’s cold now,” you chuckle and chug the espresso shot, tossing the paper cup into the garbage. “What can I get you for breakfast?” You ask as you nod to the pastry case further down the bar.

He shakes his head. “Don’t eat breakfast.”

You frown. “That’s going to have to change. You seem like the type who doesn’t take care of yourself, thinks he’s too good for it,” you tease and fold your arms on the countertop, leaning into it.

Javier scoffs. “I am not too good for breakfast,” he says, amused.

“Then eat.”

The mustached man rolls his eyes. “Fine. Maybe I don’t take very good care of myself, but I don’t need you to take care of me.”

That makes you frown. “Well, that’s too bad, because if you want to kiss me like we did last night, you’re going to have to let me take care of you, Javi.”

Javi. No one ever calls him that. He’s always Agent or Agente Peña, usually just Peña for the sake of convenience. Those who know him better call him Javier, people like Steve or Trujillo. True, he asked you to call him Javi, but the name is like a song from your lips, as soft as calling him baby. He absolutely fucking loves it. Can’t get enough of it.

You begin to babble on about the baker here and his skills, talking about the various treats beneath the glass case. There are muffins and scones, donuts and sweet breads, croissants and various puff-pastry delicacies. Javier is overwhelmed. He normally doesn’t eat many sweets, even though he loves them.

A cinnamon-sugar sprinkled pastry twist calls to him. He asks for one of those and insists that he pay for it, even as you wander away from the cash register to prove he can’t pay.

Javier stands at the bar as you make yourself your own hot drink, chatting as you stir the syrup with the espresso. God, you love that mustache, you think as you smile to yourself and look down. “So. How did the mustache come to be?” You ask him, smiling and tilting your head to the side in question.

Javier raises an eyebrow. “This?” He laughs, smoothing it down with his forefinger and thumb. It brushes out some sprinkles of cinnamon and sugar from his pastry and you bite your lip to hold back a laugh.

You both have to talk a bit louder as you begin steaming the milk for your cappuccino, but it hides your giggle as you say your next words: “Yes, the porn stache.”

“Hey,” he frowns and sips his drink, setting it back down and smiling again. “It was a thing with my father. When I turned 30, he told me I was a real man now, and real men wear mustaches. He always had one, so I said okay. He shaved it for me and taught me the right way to do it and everything. I liked the way it looked, and it stuck, I guess,” he shrugs and chuckles.

“Really? Because that thing looks straight out of 1975, but I don’t think you’re old enough for it to be that old.” You giggle. The mustache is very retro, certainly behind the times and the fashion of ‘93. “You can’t possibly be… what would that make you from ‘75… 45?”

Javier shrugs. “Well, you’re not far off. I’m 40.”

Your brow furrows. You certainly hadn’t expected that. He looks so young, really. 40 wasn’t even a thought in your mind- maybe a stressed-out 30. “Really?” You ask, though you doubt he’d lie and make himself seem older. He should probably know that you’re around the proper age you are, seeing as you’ve told him about just finishing grad school.

He frowns too. “Is that a problem?” He asks hurriedly, standing up straight from his hunched position, where he leaned over the counter to be closer to you.

“No, no,” you shake your head, and his body relaxes. “Of course not,” you smile and put your hand over his. “You just look really young for 40.”

Javier shakes his head, smiling a little at the compliment. He doesn’t get many of those, the ones where people tell him he looks young or he’s cute or any non-sexual compliments in general. “No I don’t. You’re just being cute.”

“No!” You laugh happily. “You saw my face. You’re a special agent of the D-E-A,” you say, drawing out the letters. “Head of the Calí Cartel investigations. You can read me like a damn book, Javi,” you smile at him. “Tell me, do I look like I’m lying?”

Javier shakes his head, the smile growing wider and his cheeks turning a slightly warmer shade. These kind of honest, pure and uncomplicated compliments make him almost embarrassed. “Yeah, yeah,” he sighs, brushing it off.

You’re absolutely beaming by now. “You’re not used to this, are you?” You tease as you scoop the foam from the milk pitcher into your ceramic mug, with chocolate and almond syrup in the bottom already. Mandy’s in the back stocking something, and no one else is in the shop yet. With this privacy, you lean across the counter, and Javier matches your position.

His face is painfully close to yours. You can feel his coffee breath, and you giggle softly. “Hey. Javi.”

“Yeah?” He asks teasingly.

“I like you a lot.”

Javier laughs genuinely, kissing you softly for a moment before breaking away and standing up straight again. “I like you too, abejita,” he says and finishes off his peppermint mocha.

“What does that mean?” You ask him. You’re nearly fluent in Spanish, from having studied it for years, but the word is unfamiliar.

“Little bee,” he chuckles. “You’re fluttering around this coffee shop like you’re on an adrenaline rush and it’s 5:30 in the goddamn morning.”

Little bee. It makes your heart race in your chest like a bee’s wings, a million beats per second. Goddamnit, this Javier knows what he’s doing, you think to yourself. He must be doing this for the sole purpose of stealing your heart; why else would he be this fucking sweet and sexy and flirtatious?

“It’s the caffeine rush,” you shake your head and wave a hand dismissively. You’ve already chugged a few shots of espresso, and your chocolate-almond cappuccino is about halfway gone now. Either way, Javier makes your resting heart rate double just from looking your way.

“Sure,” he teases and raises an eyebrow. “I’m gonna hit the bathroom. Be right back.” He sticks his hands in the pockets of his heavy wool coat as he heads to the restrooms, near the front of the store.

You take his mug back and Mandy wanders out from the back. “Wow. Who’s got you so chatty?” She asks out of genuine curiosity. She didn’t see Javier come in or go to the bathroom.

You’d talked with Mandy while you prepared the store, filling her in on all of the details of last night’s date with Javier. “It’s, uh, Javi, actually,” you laugh softly as you pull more espresso shots to make him another peppermint mocha.

“You’re kidding,” the woman squeals, her curls flipping over her shoulder as she tosses them back. “Why is he here so early?” She asks in confusion, making herself a drink on the machine next to you.

Your foot taps out a quick rhythm against the tile floor beneath you, the energy already flowing through your body. “Beats me. He says he wakes up this early normally. I don’t know if I believe it, but…” you shrug and stir the shots into the peppermint syrup, scooping chocolate chips into a steaming pitcher with milk and putting it under the steaming wand.

“He’s in the DEA, isn’t he?” She asks. “Maybe they start work really early in the morning. I’ve heard they work really long hours.”

“Well, he did say he works a lot,” you nod. “I don’t know. Doesn’t matter. He’s here now and he’ll get to see me cry my way through the morning rush,” you say sarcastically.

Mandy nudges your shoulder. “Says the most competent barista who works here,” she scoffs. “You have everyone out the door in under three minutes. That’s no easy feat.”

“Okay,” you roll your eyes and pour the chocolate milk into the syrup and espresso, stirring it with a long, twisted spoon. “I doubt that, but thank you.” You swirl a perfect peak of whipped cream on the top, then sprinkle the candy cane pieces on.

“I think she’s right,” you hear Javier’s voice from the other side of the counter.

“Stalker,” you tease and put his mug in front of him.

“Am not. Just think you’re good at what you do.”

“I made you a refill,” you say, ignoring his compliment. “Oh, Javier, this is Mandy. You might remember her from yesterday. Mandy, this is Javier.”

She nods and shakes the hand that Javier offers. “Nice to meet you- well, again,” she says with a bright smile. “You got the prettiest girl here.”

“Mandy,” you roll your eyes. She just laughs as she makes her way to the back of the store again.

Javier watches her then turns back to you with a smile. “I think she was right on both of those,” he comments with a smile on his face.

“Go sit down, stop flirting with me, and drink your damn coffee, Javi,” you teasingly scold him with a smile, turning away to go wash the steaming pitcher and spoon you used to make his drink.

Another customer walks in the shop. You can tell from the jingle of the bells on the door. With that, Javier finds a table in the lobby and sits at it, reading the daily newspaper and sipping his peppermint mocha. He’s starting to see why you’re so addicted to these. To him, they taste like you. -

taglist:

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#javier peña #javier peña x reader #javier peña fanfiction #javier peña x you #javi peña #javi peña x reader #pedro pascal #jose pedro balmaceda pascal #pedro pascal fanfiction #pedro pascal x reader #narcos fanfic #narcos fanfiction #narcos #caffeine rush

[sandersstudies]

Espresso-ly for You - Chapter Two

I liiiiiive! Or at least, my writing does. Like I said, I can’t and won’t promise regular updates on this one, but the sweet sweet coffeeshop AU will never let me go for sure.

Chapter One Here 

***

“Hey there, long time no see!” Janus said over the top of his mug. It was the one he brought from home, with a snake for a handle. 

“I saw you on Sunday,” Virgil said, slouching his backpack off his shoulder to store in the employee cupboard. 

“Yeah, but so much has happened since then,” Janus said, and then sipped his drink loudly. “Did Logan tell you about the birds that were fighting outside on Tuesday?”

“No.”

“See, of course he didn’t, he doesn’t care about the fun stuff. God, you look exhausted, let me get you a pick-me-up, you raccoon.” He began to measure a shot of espresso.

“I’ve already been drinking way too much soda to stay awake,” Virgil said.

“I’m not giving you soda, am I?” Janus asked, turning on the steam wand. “I’m giving you sweet bean juice, it will give you things no other drink can.” The shots pulling from the espresso machine dripped like warm honey, and Virgil had to admit they looked enticing. Janus was the most skilled barista in the cafe, going to local barista competitions three years in a row, and making it to the final round the last two years. 

“One of the benefits of working here is all the free coffee you want,” Janus said. “Might as well take advantage of it.” He’d barely looked at the machine while preparing the milk and espresso, but now, with a few seconds of intense focus, he guided his pitcher across the surface of the crema to create a delicate rosetta. “There, my nicest flat white of the day, all for you.”

Virgil took the cup and sipped. Perfect, creamy foam. 

Janus picked up his own cup and slurped the last of the coffee inside. “Well, better prepare for the lunchtime rush,” he said, checking his watch. “How was it yesterday?”

“Not too bad.”

“If you want to run register and food the first hour, I’ll run bar and then we can switch,” Janus said, reaching behind himself to tighten his apron strings. “If it slows down I’ll do a restock but I think we should be fine.”

Janus had been the first barista to push Virgil to run the espresso machine solo. When the morning or lunch rush came and there was a line out the door, Janus would watch and speak encouragingly, but never step in to rescue him the way Logan did.

“See these two cups?” Janus had said one day when Virgil could barely hold a milk pitcher without shaking. “These two drinks are the only ones you need to worry about right now. All those other drinks, all those other people, they don’t exist to you. It doesn’t matter if there are three drinks or thirty drinks waiting, you’re always working on these two drinks, and two drinks only.”

Eventually Virgil learned how to fall into a rhythm where he prepped one shot as another one pulled, poured one milk as another one steamed. Janus would flit back and forth from the register to the hand-off, confidently ringing in and handing out drinks as Virgil’s hands shook too hard to stop cups from spilling.

“You don’t need me,” Janus had said. “Someday you’re gonna be stuck up to your elbows in cappuccinos and I’m not going to be here, and you’ll have to haul them out of yourself. If I rescue you now, you won’t be able to do it then.”

Virgil had burned with frustration that Janus wouldn’t help him. But when the line dwindled, Virgil found himself reaching for the next cup in line, and it wasn’t there. He’d done it, he’d seen only two drinks in front of him and had conquered a breakfast rush. The customers had become a blur, and he’d honed in on more lattes and macchiatos than he could count.

“The next challenge,” Janus had said as they shared coffee in the following lull. “Is to bring the customers into focus too. Two things matter in coffeeshops, the coffee, and the people. You can’t let either one distract from the other.”

“You want me to do all that and small talk?”

“It gets easier with time.”

The retrospect that proved Janus right didn’t help Virgil to not feel aghast at the suggestion. It was easy to envy Janus’ ease around customers, asking Wendy how her radishes were doing as he poured her coffee, telling jokes to kids, and showing them the swan he’d drawn in their father’s latte. 

Virgil tied his apron and went to the front register. He ran his fingers over the screen. Pretending to type up a long order was his key both to eavesdropping and to looking busy, especially if he furrowed his brow just enough to look focused. Whenever a particularly angry customer started to complain at the other end of the counter, here Virgil would be, tapping like he was crafting a novel and not hitting the button for “doppio” a dozen times in a row. Meanwhile Janus, usually, would be the one at the end, silver-tongued and composed, listening with raised eyebrows and a soft smile. He’d turn around only when the cafe was empty to say “could you believe that jerk?”

A gaggle of college girls in matching volleyball t-shirts approached, and Virgil glanced at Janus, who cracked his knuckles dramatically. “May the coffee gods guide me,” he said as the bell on the door jangled merrily. 

“Hi, what can I get for you?”

“Large iced vanilla soy latte.”

“Medium blended caramel coffee, extra caramel, whipped cream.”

“Small almond latte.”

And so on down the line. Janus remained unfazed, continuing to greet other customers who braved entering the store despite the line. He called out every drink he made and made eye contact with each girl who picked hers up, even (Virgil thought he saw) winking a couple times. The hum of the espresso machine and hiss of the steam wand filled the cafe, singing along to the piano playing over the speakers. Was this Logan’s playlist?

The line didn’t end, after that. The girls cleared and were replaced by tides of office workers in pressed clothes from the smattering of office buildings that hemmed in the coffee shop on all sides. Friendly receptionists and personal assistants were a favorite of Virgil’s, and were perhaps the only ones who called him by endearments that didn’t feel horribly awkward.  Most of them tipped well. 

The cafe chairs filled up, representing casual business talks, friendly meet-ups, and solitary breaks from long days. All the grind-never-stop types had the coffee to-go, and those taking a quick respite adored the cafe’s “for here” cups. Virgil liked to watch for the people who perked up or relaxed with their first sip. One of the personal assistants from the building across the street (Virgil thought her name was Jackie) put her cappuccino to her lips and leaned back into her chair, the tension around her eyes softening.

A moment came where a couple of middle-aged women paused to examine the menu, and Janus appeared as if by magic at the register. 

“Tag team, let’s go! Your turn on the bar, kid.” 

Virgil moved to the espresso machine. Janus had not only finished the drinks in front of him, but wiped down the counter and machine to leave Virgil the perfect surface to begin again. The middle-aged women put in their orders, and Virgil felt like his vision zoomed in as he began the two drinks in front of him, and the two after that, and the two-

He was getting better at this now, even managed a croaked “hello,” to most of the customers who walked in the door, and a “thank you” as they took their drinks. He let the steam wand run a few extra seconds to feel the warmth bead on his face every time he started to get anxious. 

The lunch rush came to its merciful end, and Virgil took his break to chew a PB&J sandwich before Janus left for the day. As the clock hit two, the elder barista pulled his keys from the cupboard.

“I bid you adieu and an easy close,” he said, twirling his keychain around his hand as he clocked out. The jingle of his keys was followed by the jangle of the door behind him, and Virgil was alone in the cafe.

He brewed fresh coffee - they’d almost run out during the rush, and pause to sweep the floors and wipe down the counters. Running the store for the last three hours before close, and the chance to close the store by himself was both a responsibility and a chance for peace that Virgil appreciated. He liked helping customers, more spread out then before, and in between them finding little things to clean, extra minutes to practice his latte art - damn, how could Janus draw a rosetta so effortlessly? All Virgil’s came out looking like lumps. 

He aerated the milk gently, and heard the front bell ting.

“Hey there,” Virgil said without looking up, tilting his pitcher so the foam was perfectly incorporated. He turned the steam wand off and gently groomed the milk to pour. “Sorry, I’ll be right with you.” 

The milk texture was almost perfect. He guided his pitcher over the crema and… produced a haphazard rosetta. It was lopsided and a little mangled from Virgil swirling the crema too hard, but it wasn’t one of his worst attempts.

“Hey, that looks pretty good!” 

Virgil looked up and felt his ears get hot. Roman was leaning slightly over the bar (oh wow, he was even taller than Virgil had thought), staring at the cup. “Could you do one like that for me?”

Virgil swallowed. “Yeah uh… yeah, sure.” Nevermind that it was much harder to make oat milk froth properly. Virgil grabbed his non-dairy pitcher.

“Oh, could you make it as an large cinnamon-”

“Yeah, I got it.” Oh no, I cut him off. In too deep now. Virgil felt Roman’s gaze on him as he made the latte. The cinnamon-sugar topping made a nice base to draw with, but Virgil didn’t have as much experience with oat and soy, and the rosetta was barely visible as he finished it. Roman stared into the cup.

“Sorry,” Virgil muttered. “Still practicing.” 

“Oh, that’s okay,” Roman said, but sounded a bit disappointed. He left a ten on the counter. “Thanks for trying, the extra’s for you.” 

He left the cafe, and Virgil watched him vanish down the street, but just before he was out of sight, he put the to-go cup to his lips, and Virgil saw his shoulders relax.

#virgil sanders #roman sanders #prinxiety #janus sanders #sanders sides #tsfic #fanfic #fanfiction #fic

[coffeemachineguides]

9 Best Home Coffee Machine UK

If you’re looking for a coffee machine you can use at home, you’ll need something completely different from what you’d normally find in a coffee shop. Although you could technically put a commercial-scale espresso machine in your home, it would likely be much more than you need!

We suggest looking for coffee makers that are smaller, more affordable, and easier to use. But where do you begin looking for a good home coffee machine?

We’ve done much of the researching and looking for you. We’ve gathered several of the best home coffee machines for the UK in this post.

Let’s take a closer look…

Table of Contents

Quick Chart

Best Home Coffee Machines for the UK

What to Consider When Buying a Home Coffee Machine

Wrap Up

Quick Chart

If you’re in a rush and want to skip the read, check out the chart below for our recommended machines and some of their features.

Product

Brewing Method

Water Tank Capacity

Dimensions

De'Longhi Magnifica S

Bean to Cup

1.8 Litres

23.8 x 43 x 35.1 cm

Lelit Anita Espresso Machine

Traditional Espresso Machine

2.7 Litres

25.5 x 36.8 x 31.5 cm

Nespresso Vertuo Plus Special Edition

Pods

1.7 Litres

34.9 x 22 x 32.5 cm

Sage Precision Brewer

Filter 

1.7 Litres

16.8 x 39.5 x 36 cm

AICOK Filter Coffee Machine

Filter

1.8 Litres

37.5 x 28.5 x 36 cm

Melitta AromaFresh Filter Coffee Machine

Filter

1.38 Litres

23.4 x 25.8 x 44.2 cm

Siemens Coffee Machine

Bean to Cup

1.7 Litres 

42.8 x 37.3 x 24.9 cm

De’Longhi Nescafe Dolce Gusto Jovia Pod Machine

Pod

0.8 Litres

17.1 x 32.5 x 22.8 cm

Nespresso Essenza Mini

Pod

0.6 Litres

32.5 x 11 x 20.5 cm

Features to Reference in chart: Brewing Method, Water Tank Capacity, Dimensions, Drink Sizes, Accessories?

Best Home Coffee Machines for the UK

De’Longhi Magnifica S

If you’re a latte lover who doesn’t want to deal with the hassle of learning to operate an espresso machine, the De’Longhi Magnifica could be a match made in heaven for you. As a bean to cup coffee machine, it was designed to take care of all steps for you, from grinding beans to frothing your milk.

Because of this, you can get popular coffee shop classics like lattes and cappuccinos quickly and effortlessly. You will need to add the milk to your espresso or vice versa, as the milk is foamed separately, but this is still much simpler than a traditional espresso machine.

Best of all, by definition, bean to cup machines have grinders built right into them. You’ll get to enjoy the potency of freshly ground coffee whenever you want a drink.

Pros:

• Super automatic machine will grind beans, brew espresso, and froth milk for you.

• Even though it has a grinder built into it, it is still reasonably quiet.

• Its 1.8-litre water tank allows you to prepare several drinks in a row before a refill is necessary.

• The machine automatically rinses all parts that touch milk with steam after use.

• You can use it to dispense hot water for tea.

• It’s compatible with whole beans and ground coffee.

Cons:

• It doesn’t have a milk pitcher, so you will need to buy one for frothing milk.

• You’ll need an adaptor for the plug, as it uses a European plug.

Check Pricing on Amazon >>

Lelit Anita Espresso Machine

What if you want exactly the same coffee experience you’d get from a coffee shop? A filter coffee machine or bean to cup one won’t give you the same feeling of manually building each drink yourself from scratch.

However, this Lelit Anita espresso machine will deliver that experience to you. If you’re willing to learn how to operate an espresso machine, this one will give you total control over each drink you make.

Like the De’Longhi machine mentioned above, this espresso machine has a built-in grinder. This means you won’t have to splurge on buying a grinder in order to use it.

Furthermore, its brass boiler and stainless steel case grant it longevity. You can expect to have this sleek little espresso machine for years to come.

Pros:

• It has an integrated grinder so you won’t need to buy one separately.

• Made from sturdy metal components.

• Includes a built-in tamper for packing your portafilter.

• Has PID temperature controllers so you can adjust the internal temperature of the machine.

• Will make you look and feel like a professional barista.

Cons:

• As a semiautomatic espresso machine, it will be tricky to learn at first.

Buy on Coffee Friend

Nespresso Vertuo Plus Special Edition

One of the easiest types of coffee machines to master is a pod machine like the Nespresso Vertuo Plus. Instead of having to worry about grinding your own coffee, you’ll be able to choose from a selection of pre-ground servings called pods.

If you’re worried that this means you’re sacrificing the flexibility of being able to choose from any type of coffee, don’t be. Nespresso has a huge range of pods to choose from, catering to all tastes and preferences.

Furthermore, if you don’t like the Special Edition of the Vertuo Plus, there are a few other bundles you can choose from. Some come with just the machine and others include a milk frother so you can easily make milk-based drinks.

Pros:

• Uses pods, which are simple and beginner-friendly.

• Nespresso offers a huge range of pods to choose from.

• Comes with a set of 12 Nespresso capsules for you to sample.

• One-touch button operation is easy to learn.

• The Nespresso pods are recyclable.

Cons:

• Some owners have reported that Nespresso pods can be kind of expensive.

Check Pricing on Amazon >>

Sage Precision Brewer

There’s nothing wrong with brewing a simple and traditional pot of coffee. When all you want is a batch to share with friends and family, the Sage Precision Brewer could easily meet your needs.

It’s much more flexible than just brewing a simple pot, though. You’ll have six different brewing modes to taste: gold, fast, strong, cold, pour over, or My Brew.

And if you don’t want an entire pot, the Precision Brewer can handle that, too. It’s capable of brewing single servings that are perfect for when all you want is an uncomplicated mug of coffee.

Pros:

• Multiple brewing mods makes it possible for the machine to prepare a wide range of drinks.

• Its tank capacity is 1.7 litres, so it can easily serve your guests and family.

• You can use it to brew single servings if you don’t want a whole carafe.

• With the programmable time, you can tell the machine to start brewing a cup for you in advance.

Cons:

• None reported yet.

Buy on Coffee Friend

AICOK Filter Coffee Machine

Need a simple way to brew pots of coffee regularly on a budget? The AICOK Filter Coffee Machine could fit your needs like a glove.

At a modest price, this coffee machine comes with a plethora of features you usually see in high-end models. For instance, it has a 24-hour programmable clock so you can set it up to brew pots in advance. Set it up before bed to brew the next morning, and wake up to find your home filled with the tantalising aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

It has a short warmup time, as well. You won’t need to wait long after turning it on to get started on a fresh batch of coffee.

Pros:

• Large pot can hold up to 12 cups of coffee – plenty to share with the whole family.

• The carafe is made from borosilicate glass, which is sturdy and resistant to high and low temperatures.

• Has a 24-hour programmable clock so you can tell the machine to brew a batch ahead of time.

• Energy-efficient auto shutoff will prevent you from forgetting to turn the coffee machine off.

• Anti-drip feature stops the machine from leaving messy drips behind after you remove the pot to pour yourself a cup.

Read Next: Top 10 Best Coffee Machines UK

Cons:

• The 40-minute auto-shutoff feature shuts off the pot warmer, so you need to either keep turning it back on if you want to slowly finish a pot of coffee or you need to finish the pot within that timeframe.

Check Pricing on Amazon >>

Melitta AromaFresh Filter Coffee Machine

What caught our eye about this one is the fact that it’s a traditional coffee maker with a grinder built right in. Most coffee makers that prepare carafes of coffee will require you to purchase a grinder separately if you want to use whole bean coffee. That’s not true for the Melitta AromaFresh.

Another great element to its design is the visible water tank right on the side. Because the water tank is right where you can see it, you won’t be caught off guard by the unexpected need to refill the coffee maker’s reservoir.

Maintenance is just a part of owning a coffee maker. Luckily, you won’t need to guess when maintenance is necessary for the AromaFresh – it has indicator lights that will tell you when you need to descale it.

Pros:

• Descale light will notify you the moment your machine requires descaling.

• It has a programmable timer so you can set it up to brew pots of coffee at specific times.

• Because it has a built-in grinder, you save money on having to buy one separately.

• There’s a crisp LCD screen on the front that helps you operate the machine.

Cons:

• The water tank isn’t detachable, so it can sometimes be a bit tricky to refill.

Check Pricing on Amazon >>

Siemens Coffee Machine

The Siemens is another excellent coffee machine for those who want the range of coffee shop favourites without having to learn to master an espresso machine. In fact, it reduces 7 different coffee drinks down to the push of a button. Make espresso, black coffee, cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites, espresso macchiatos, and Americanos all by just pressing a single button.

It was specifically designed to be so easy that anyone can use it. Each drink you can make is illustrated with a clear, full-colour icon so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Ever thought your coffee was too bitter? This is a problem the Siemens can resolve, thanks to its AromaDouble Shot system. This system brews each shot in two stages, including double grinding and preparation. As a result, any nasty bitterness is removed before it can end up in your mug.

Pros:

• Coloured icons on top of the machine show you exactly which button makes which drink.

• Makes seven different café favourites at the touch of a button.

• The milk container can be safely stored in the fridge if there is any leftover milk.

Cons:

• None reported yet.

Buy on Coffee Friend

De’Longhi Nescafe Dolce Gusto Jovia Pod Machine

Some pod machines have drink sizes that are entirely dictated by the type of pod you choose. With the Jovia, you’re the one in total control of your drink size.

That’s because this pod machine has a manual lever on the back. Simply move it from side to side to brew a drink with either cold or hot water. When you’ve got exactly as much as you need, just move the lever back to the off position.

Another great quality to the Jovia is that it brews at 15 bars of pressure. That’s the same degree of pressure that is used to brew your favourite drinks at the local coffee shop.

Pros:

• You can move the drip tray up and down to accommodate cups of various heights.

• Since it’s manual, you ultimately control the amount of coffee in your cup.

• Dolce Gusto pods are widely available, so you’ll never struggle to find more.

• Comes in two bold colours.

• It brews at 15 bars of pressure like a professional espresso machine.

Cons:

• Since it is manually operated, you will need to be at the machine while it brews.

Check Pricing on Amazon >>

Nespresso Essenza Mini

Have you ever purchased an appliance for your kitchen, only to find out that it takes up way more counter space than you accounted for? If you’re concerned about the room you have to work with, the Nespresso Essenza Mini is worth your consideration.

This tiny pod machine was created to fit in on just about any counter or table. Measuring just 32.5 x 11 x 20.5cm, it won’t take up any more space than necessary.

Pros:

• Its compact size makes it easy to find room for.

• Simple two-button operation means you can learn to use it quickly.

• The machine will turn itself off after nine minutes of inactivity.

• Comes with the Aeroccino milk frother.

• Can heat up in just 25 seconds.

• Sold in three stylish colour options.

Cons:

• The machine is made mostly from plastic.

• Its water tank is small, so you’ll need to refill it often.

Check Pricing on Amazon >>

What to Consider When Buying a Home Coffee Machine

Brewing Method

Coffee machines don’t all brew your favourite caffeinated beverage the same way. There are a few different types out there to consider that you may find preferable based on your needs.

For starters, bean to cup coffee machines are some of the easiest ones out there. They’re an all-in-one machine type that includes a grinder, brewer, and milk frother. Because they have everything you need, you can brew coffee shop classics like lattes from the comfort of your own home.

Pod machines are what we recommend most often for beginners. They use pre-ground servings of coffee in sealed pods. Some even have milk frothers attached so you can make cappuccinos or lattes.

Filter coffee machines are likely what most people think of when they imagine a coffee machine. These generally brew larger pots of coffee that are excellent for gatherings or offices.

Serving Sizes

You’ll want to think about how much coffee you like to drink at once or whether you’ll be sharing your machine with others. In the event your machine will need to provide refreshments for groups or will be shared with other people, you’ll likely want to ensure you have plenty of serving sizes available.

Not everyone will want a small cup. Some may even want to brew whole carafes of coffee. As far as serving sizes go, pod machines and bean to cup machines tend to be the most flexible.

Dimensions

Can you imagine how frustrating it would be if you invested in a new coffee machine and found out it was too large for your counter?

Avoid this fiasco entirely by determining whether the machine will properly fit in your kitchen. Measure your counter or table ahead of time, then compare the measurements with the dimensions of the machine in question prior to purchase.

Wrap Up

As you can see, there are tons of coffee machine options out there. No matter what your drink preferences are, there’s likely a coffee maker that’s perfect for your needs.

The one we recommend most on this list is the De’Longhi Magnifica S. We think it will most closely replicate the feeling of going to a coffee shop without requiring you to master using an espresso machine. Additionally, we love how easy it is to maintain – it won’t take a lot of time out of your day for you to keep the machine in tip-top shape.

The post 9 Best Home Coffee Machine UK appeared first on coffeemachineguides.co.uk.

from coffeemachineguides.co.uk https://coffeemachineguides.co.uk/best-home-coffee-machine-uk/ via Coffee Machine Guides UK

#Coffee Machine Guides UK #Coffee Machines #cup machine #pod machines #filter coffee machines

[alyssainminnesota-blog]

A Minneapolis Coffee Shop Adventure

I've always been in to trying new things...especially when it involves places to eat and/or drink. Coffee shops are one of my favorite places to indulge anywhere in the world. I feel like the each offer their own distinct vibe that expresses culture and creativity. From the quaint street cafes in Amsterdam to the ever-so exquisite shops in Singapore, I had yet to experience my own neighborhood - Minneapolis. 

I sought out to gather recommendations of chic, yet divine coffee shops around the Twin Cities area. Over the course of a week, and the span of a single day, I tried four incredible coffee shops in Minneapolis. Each of them brought forth a rather unique spin on art, showcasing that Minneapolis is a savvy coffee-loving city. 

Here's the scoop

Lined with walls covered in vessels, sculptures, and, of course, coffee mugs, Mojo Coffee Gallery brings its own unique taste to the Northeast Minneapolis Art District. These pieces are designed by a variety of artists throughout the Twin Cities, as well as Mexico and the Untied States. 

Their menu offers a variety of coffee choices as well as food, with vegetarian and vegan friendly options. I decided to try their special -  the Hawaiian Latte - and a raspberry white chocolate bar. All of their menu items are price friendly, my order being just under $10. 

To say that my late breakfast was delicious would be an understatement. The bar melted in mouth, and the Hawaiian latte, with just a hint of coconut, was as smooth as can be. 

Mojo Coffee Gallery offers both indoor and outdoor seating, but even the weather couldn't take away from the memorizing interior of this shop! Did I also mention they welcome dogs to their patio area? 

If you like modern chic with a hint of vintage, you're at the right place. Immediately as you walk in, the vibrance of the place engulfs you. With an elaborate lit-up "F" to left and a wall lined with countless chocolates and coffee to the right, anyone can find something they enjoy at this modern cafe. 

Located in Minneapolis' North Loop area, the Chicago-based coffee and tea company made its perfect home here. The menu offers a wide variety of selections including flights, breakfast that is served all day, and, my favorite, matcha. 

Because I love to just try 'em all, I decided to go with the flight. Running at just under $7, you can choose three 4 oz selections off of their tap menu. I chose their nitro matcha, blueberry rooibos, and the Spyhouse cold brew. I also added a small plate of guacamole with tortilla chips and veggies on the side. The entire order, with tip, cost just under $20. 

To say I loved this coffee shop would be an underestimate. With the lively vibe, and modern accents I felt as if were home here. They offer both outdoor and indoor seating, happily welcoming your puppies to their patio. 

Do note, however,  street parking can get rather crowded around this area. It's best to find a spot further away and walk. Steps are always a good thing! 

Elegant and exquisite were the first two words that popped through my head when I entered this pace. It also strangely reminded me of an Alaskan brewery being out in what seemed like the middle of nowhere Minneapolis. 

There's a very "put-together" look about Parallel. Everything is where it should be, even the tidy petite plants. Their perfectly polished countertops add to the elegance and water cups are easily accessible - sold. 

Parallel's menu offers a wide selection of coffee, tea, food, and even some beer and wine. Looking over the menu can feel a bit overwhelming, considering almost every choice sounds delicious. I settled for the typical, but not so, avocado toast and a small Rosella iced tea. 

Avocado toast is single-handedly the most delicious food creation in history, but putting it on a thick piece of multigrain bread topped with radishes makes it even better (who would have thought?). Their unique take on the most basic meal is what really captured my attention. 

Final thoughts: the parking is easy and the food is delicious. It provides a comfortable vibe for those looking to have a quaint meal and coffee with friends, or a solo study session. 

For weeks I had been saying I would make my stop at Penny's Coffee, but life got to be a little too busy. 

On a rainy Saturday morning I finally made my way over to Penny's after the farmer's market. It was everything I had imagined, and more. The coffee shop is inside of a massive building that houses a variety of offices, with a bathroom sign completely in French. The music is sweet and artisan, just like their coffee. 

Their menu is vast, offering something that meets everyone's needs. For me, I was happy to see things on the menu like an Activated Charcoal Latte as well as healthy meal options like a Coconut Kale Salad and a simple bowl of granola.   

I couldn't resist when I saw "Golden Milk Latte" on the menu. I ordered a small cup and it was served to me with perfection. It's hit or miss with golden milk lattes, I think. I've had some that are extremely thick and difficult to drink, and then I've had some that are as smooth as a nice lukewarm glass of water. Penny's Golden Milk Latte is that perfect cup. They topped the frothed blend with some cracked pepper, which I thought was a fun addition. 

On a side note, Penny's also sells my favorite local kombucha brand - Northstar Kombucha. I ended up taking home one of my favorite flavors, Citra Hops, from the coffee shop that day.

With the overabundance of adorable-ness and tiny plants, I will definitely be back. I'm enthused to be starting work in the cities so I have the perfect excuse to make a pit-stop here! 

Of course, these four shops aren't the only ones Minneapolis has to offer but I have to experience those at yet another time. For now, I am simply sharing my experience with coffee and culture right in my home town. 

Subscribe or follow me on social media to stay updated on the latest recipes and news!

#coffee #local #happiness #health #wellness #tea #shops #adventure

[wayneooverton]

48 hours in vibrant Buenos Aires

It’s been almost 10 years since I visited South America, Peru, in fact, during my spring back of my last year of university, and coincidentally, the trip where I first started this blog.

Holy crap!

I’ll leave that to process later. But for now, it’s time to revisit an incredible part of the world again and take a break from the scorching hot New Zealand summer we’ve been having and travel Buenos Aires.

Luckily my favorite airline Air New Zealand now flies a direct route between Auckland and Buenos Aires, which you might have already known if you watch my Stories on Instagram. The gateway to South America and the start of an incredible adventure onwards that I’ll be sharing on her soon, it was the perfect opportunity to finally visit Buenos Aires, a place that’s been on my list for years.

Almost immediately after I arrived I began to notice the exciting vibe, history and culture that makes Buenos Aires tick. Feeling like a cross between old world Europe, especially Spain, and the passionate dazzle of South America into a mixed bag of wonders, it didn’t take long for me to fall for this city.

While I found that Buenos Aires is a worthy long-term destination in its own right (I wouldn’t hesitate to holiday here for a month on its own) I also found that many people stop over here for a few days before continuing their journey exploring Argentina or other places in South America.

Since I wanted to travel Buenos Aires as well on route to somewhere else (something I often do like in Hong Kong) I decided to put together my best tips and photos for 48 hours in this magnificent city – be warned, a lot of it revolves around food! Enjoy!

Go on a food tour – don’t think twice

There’s no two ways about it, Buenos Aires is a big city – and if you’re just stopping through, you’ll want to make the most of it. And one of the best ways to do that is go on a tour with a local. While the city is known for great free city tours and bike tours, let’s be honest here, I had one thing on my mind. I wanted to eat.

I love urban food tours when I’m traveling (like in Rome, Istanbul and Madrid) and with only a short amount of time in Buenos Aires, I wanted to get to know its neighborhoods through food so I opted to join in on an afternoon tour of San Telmo with Parilla Tour. Come hungry.

San Telmo is a beautiful part of Buenos Aires, with mismatched cobblestones and crumbling old grand buildings, it definitely feels like you’ve stepped back into Europe here. From learning about the history of empanadas, to drinking beer in the local old-man pubs to exploring the famous Mercado de San Telmo (and eating, eating, eating) it was the perfect intro to a new place!

Freak yourself out at La Recoleta Cemetery

I find cemeteries, especially old-world cemeteries, to be beautiful but really creepy, two adjectives that are often tricky to reconcile but somehow I manage to. Like I visit them, love them, but also feel a bit weird and freaked out by the end. Know what I mean?

La Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires is no exception. It can only be described as haunting, with little streets of tombs and laid out in a way that really is a city of the dead, it’s one of BA’s most popular tourist attractions.

Perhaps its central location and being the resting place of iconic legend Eva Perón, La Recoleta is a pretty powerful place. In fact, I went twice.

Trying to decipher the accent

I lived in Spain for years, have a degree in Spanish language and literature, wrote a master level dissertation in Spanish and can even spent a summer reading old Spanish language texts at the National Library in Madrid. Not to toot my own horn, but I definitely consider myself fluent in Spanish.

Then I went to Argentina.

While I can happily report that I haven’t forgotten any Spanish, I can also say that the accent was so tricky I had to stare at people’s mouths, repeat what they said in my head and then try to decipher it before replying. Between pronouncing the “ll” as a “sh,” totally different slang and words for things, the Italian twang of an accent, and then using vos, a whole other word for “you” that’s equivalent to saying “thee” in English, communicating in Buenos Aires often stumped me.

Spend your evening at a cooking class

Since I was traveling in Buenos Aires alone, I opted to join in on an evening cooking class with Tierra Negra and learn how to make some of my favorite Buenos Aires street food. Yes, all the food!

The food is often my favorite part of a destination, and I knew I’d love to take some of these lessons home with me.

I spent a lovely evening with new friends at the home of Manuel and Verónica learning how to drink yerba mate, make chimichurri, alfajores and of course, about all the great wines, a cooking class is perfect for solo travelers like me to really get a local feel for a place.

Walk around the amazing neighborhoods

Any seasoned traveler will tell you, the best way to explore a new place is just walk, wander and even get lost, and Buenos Aires is no exception.

Short on time, I would often Uber (usually less than $5) to a specific place that I wanted to see in a new neighborhood, and then just wander for a few hours looking around and popping in the shops, cafes and plazas. It was a great way to get a little taste for Buenos Aires

From historical San Telmo to colorful La Boca to trendy Palermo Soho to lush Recoleta to the bars of Palermo Hollywood, there’s a neighborhood for everyone in Buenos Aires.

Eat choripán as much as you can

You don’t have to be in Argentina for long to quickly realize that you’ll be eating a lot of meat and bread. Repeat.

Good thing I love both!

I was so excited to dig into some delicious choripán in Buenos Aires, the classic Argentinian street and comfort food. A simple snack consisting of a yummy chorizo sausage cut in half in between crusty bread and smothered in chimichurri sauce, I ate these daily in Buenos Aires and even learned to cook them at the Street Food cooking class.

Much like empanadas, you can’t come to Argentina and NOT eat choripán.

Froth on the street art

An edgy creative city, you’re constantly reminded just how cool Buenos Aires actually is, especially with epic street art and huge commissioned murals peppering its walls almost wherever you walk.

If you’re crunched for time, hop on a guided street art tour in one of the local neighborhoods, like La Boca. With a history of politics and social change, the street art in BA is more than just a pretty wall – it’s a story that often is powerful message.

My absolute favorite had to be this enormous Frida Kahlo in Palermo. Bad ass or what?

Sip on the amazing wine all day and all night

One of the greatest wine producing countries in the world, I was excited to sip on some Argentinian classics while in Buenos Aires.

While I of course had my fair share of Malbecs alongside a big juicy steak or meat dish, I actually came to really love some of the white wines as well, especially Torrontés (similar to a Riesling). With a sweet scent, it is actually quite dry, something I really loved!

Marvel at El Ateneo Bookshop

Without a doubt, El Ateneo Grand Splendid Bookshop in Buenos Aires is one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world. And as someone who makes it her personal mission to visit bookshops in almost every single place she travels too, I do not say that lightly.

Tucked away in the Barrio Norte, it was a beautiful 1920’s theater that once hosted famous Argentinian tango dancers on stage. Eventually it was almost torn down before it was saved and turned into a bookshop.

While most of the works are in Spanish, it shouldn’t deter you from wandering around the balconies and getting a coffee on stage and just being in a pretty spectacular place, especially for my fellow book nerds.

Stay in a cute Airbnb

If you come to Buenos Aires in the height of summer like I did (January), you’ve got to stay somewhere cute, central, and with air conditioning.

I picked a beautiful Airbnb in the center of Buenos Aires near Retiro and Recoleta that was in walking distance of many places I wanted to explore, and easy to Uber to others.

With a kitchen, you don’t have to go out for every meal, and staying in local houses are one of my favorite ways to travel around the world, especially because I often spend a fair amount of time inside working!

Wander around La Boca and El Caminito…but not too far

To be perfectly honest I was a bit nervous about visiting La Boca at first. I knew I really wanted to go after hearing about how great it is and seeing it’s colorful walls peppered on social media for a while now. But, and there’s always a but, it doesn’t have the best reputation.

Like tourists getting mugged at gunpoint reputation. Shivers.

An old working-class migrant neighborhood by the river, it’s Buenos Aires at its best and worst, colorful, vibrant and alive, and if you aren’t careful, it might eat you alive. Nowadays it’s pretty touristy, but it’s best if you still to the main streets around Caminito in the middle of the day when it’s the busiest. Best avoid at night or early in the morning or late afternoon, don’t bring valuables, and don’t wander too far from Caminito, even if it looks tempting.

Chow down on dulce de leche ice-cream as much as you can

Is it just me or do you truly believe that dulce de leche was a gift from heaven for us all to enjoy?

A very sweet condensed milk and sugar sauce that’s very similar to caramel is a staple in anything sweet in Argentina, and is found in many pastries, churros, deserts, and of course, gelato in Buenos Aires.

With an Italian influence, I made it my mission to eat as much gelato as I could in Buenos Aires, many shops having multiple types of dulce de leche flavors. My two favorite ice-cream shops has to be La Nonna Bianca in San Telmo and Rapa Nui, a chocolate shop slash ice-cream shop just around the corner from El Ateneo Bookshop.

Divine, but don’t eat too much.

On that note, what do you think? Have you been to Buenos Aires before? What are your tips? Spill!

Many thanks to Air New Zealand for hosting me in Buenos Aires – like always I’m keeping it real – all opinions are my own – like you could expect less from me!

The post 48 hours in vibrant Buenos Aires appeared first on Young Adventuress.

from Young Adventuress http://ift.tt/2sEKYr0

[loveinthebones]

-Sleight of Hand-

Summary: Song Two of the 20 Song Fic Challenge. Phil Lester likes to hide in plain sight. He’s good at that but change is in the air.

-Sleight of Hand-

The things I would give to see this magic even when I’m wide awake

Magic like gold piles, wings, or that smile

-2AM Dreamy Wonderland (Also the beta which is the version that came up when I shuffled. The first link is the final product.)

-

There was a small coffee shop that was wedged unceremoniously between a book shop with a large glass window that for some reason always seemed desolate but miraculously hadn’t been closed down on one side and a cozy family owned grocery store on the other. If you were striding down the street without taking in your surroundings, you would miss the worn faded light wood door. Or perhaps if you were taking in the scenery, your nose would twitch at the faint perfume of melted chocolate and earthy cinnamon.

Perhaps you would follow it. Only to find yourself situated on the street over with a fuzzy head and a chill creeping up your spine, the weight of having done something wrong making bile rise in your throat.

In those cases, the sparkling eyes of the barista would glitter as he would continue making whatever drink his guest at the time would request with a breathy chuckle.

After all… Phil Lester was adept at hiding in plain sight and he would like to keep it that way.

Not just anyone could waltz into his shop.

Blue eyes found the smudged ash of the jagged “S” shape above his door and thanked Eiwhaz for filtering his customers thoroughly.

-

“Phil!” The chipper voice of Louise followed the tingling of the bell above his door and he paused in wiping the table to flash a bright smile at his friend. “How’s my favorite witch?”

Phil merely tossed the damp towel at the side of her head and quipped half-heartedly, “Shhh!” as Louise shrieked. In the next instant, he had a face slicked with water slime and stale cream coating his tongue. He spluttered and as he rubbed his face on his short sleeved button down, his pointer and middle fingers crooked toward him.

Louise took a concerned step towards him before crossing her arms. “Philip Lester, you better not be using your persuasion on me.”

“I’m not!” Phil giggled sheepishly before shaking the imperceptible tension from his shoulders. “But seriously, Lou. You need to be careful about what you announce. What if I had a customer?”

Phil felt the pang of guilt as he scolded her but he kept his abilities to himself for the most part but the harpy Halfling that was approaching him had known he wasn’t ordinary the day he set up shop next to her.

“Phil,” Louise sighed. His fringe ruffled slightly in the barely there breeze the action caused and he flipped it out of his eyes. “I know better, sweetie. I wouldn’t do it if…”

The gentle tinkling of another arrival had her closing her mouth and Phil waved at the boy stumbling through the door with an armful of two heavy textbooks and wires swinging haphazardly through the gaps of his hold. The dark tint underneath hooded tawny eyes accompanied by tufts of straight brunette locks seemed to emphasize the wrinkled black shirt the boy was sporting.

“I’m sorry. I know it’s late but I saw the light on and I just….” The boy didn’t pause as the words rushed out of him as he shifted from foot to foot. “I have a paper due soon and—“ Phil watched as his lips abruptly ceased their movement and a tongue darted to lick cracked lips. “Are you open?”

Phil could practically hear the silent plea of Please say yes. before he answered, “You’re in luck.”

The boy released a huge breath before he nodded and murmured, “Thank you.” and made his way to a table in the back corner. Both Phil and Louise watched the boy drop the textbooks carelessly on the surface before bending down to plug in his phone. Phil winced as the thick-spined top book slid off its perch and—

The door to his shop crashed against the wall with a sharp crack that echoed throughout the building. The boy jumped, phone falling from his grasp and Phil jolted upright, flexing his fingers to keep the warmth gathering there at bay.

“Holy shit.” The student grumbled and Phil chuckled before going to shut the door, running his fingers along the smooth surface to make sure it wasn’t harmed before turning to Louise’s gaze and then the book that was now firmly situated and not toppling to the floor. He tilted his head in a silent question toward his friend.

She ignored the unasked inquiry.

“Still having problems with that jamb, huh?” She twirled the rose colored portion of her fair hair as she spoke.

One corner of his lip quirked up as he met her innocent façade before squeezing her shoulder in a silent show that he didn’t mind the display before humming an agreement before turning to his guest. “You alright?”

“I’m…fine.” The boy said slowly, hand still curled against his chest. “What the actual fuck is up with the wind?”

Phil shrugged lazily before he moved to take his place behind the counter. “Anything I can get you…?” He directed to the boy as he grabbed a large porcelain mug for Louise’s usual.

“The largest sugariest, most caffeinated coffee, please.” Phil watched the boy swipe his phone from his seat and plop down, lifting the messenger bag slung around his torso with a groan before his fingers danced across the screen of his device. “I have to finish this assignment. By 9am.” He seemed preoccupied so Phil wiggled his fingers to allow the coffee pot to drift to the cup, left hand raised just in case.

“Sure. Can I get your name for it?” The reply was automatic and Phil’s fingers wrapped around the handle not even a second before the boy raised his head, eyebrows furrowed. He hissed silently as the coffee scalded his hand before setting the container down, shaking his hand to rid it of the sting. 

“Really?” Incredulous pupils darted around the empty shop.

“It’s protocol.” Phil rolled his eyes good naturedly before he added coconut milk and some vanilla to Louise’s coffee manually. He grabbed a wooden stick, drawing sowilo in the froth and handing it over. “Here you go, Louise.”

“Thanks, Phil.” She stressed right back before she turned with a wave. “I’ll bring your mug back tomorrow!” As she left, Phil could make out the gossamer outlines of her nearly nonexistent wings.

“My name is Dan.” Dan replied distractedly, staring at Louise’s retreat before shaking his head and Phil barely caught the murmured: “I must be tired.”

-

Dan seemed to find his way to Phil’s shop more often than not.

Phil noticed as Dan would be hurrying along the street before his stride would slow and he would peer through the window for a bit, fingers drumming over his jeans before he would shake his head and make a mad dash to where ever he was going.

He would always show up when the sky was illuminated by struggling stars competing with the bright lights of the city and the droning of traffic, feet dragging and lips pulled down into a small frown.

This particular night Phil couldn’t help but notice the swelling around the boy’s eye with a flare of something boiling curling tight against his abdomen. He wasn’t a stranger to anger but intensity had him pulling away and the spoon that had been scooping sugar into the cup clattered against the floor.

Dan paused in his course to his unofficial table and he heaved the books onto the counter space beside the register to pick up the utensil and hold it out to Phil.

“Be careful, you spoon.” The small smile was just big enough to show the dip where Dan’s dimple lie and Phil’s exhale stuttered to a halt before he nodded mutely.

Dan gathered his books once more but slid into a stool that pulled up beside the pick up area without warning. He folded his arms and laid his head on them, closing his eyes.

Phil nibbled his lip.

I shouldn’t. I really shouldn’t…

His fingers dragged through the essential oil smeared on his side of the bar and without his conscious consent, his fingers drew the sleep thorn smoothly and quickly. His heart thumped rapidly as his fingers swirled with tiny pricks of light and Dan’s eyelashes lifted for a moment before he was drug under.

What have I done?

Phil elbowed the cup he had pulled down for Dan as he jumped back. Shards of robin’s egg glass scattered and the coffee began winding a track towards his shoes but he only twisted his fingers in his hair and began a small chant of “No, no, no.”

Dan didn’t stir and his breath came in even puffs, shoulders slumped.

He shouldn’t be using his abilities like this. He shouldn’t be forcing Dan to sleep especially if he had an important paper due and in a coffee shop no less…Even if it was probably safer than any other one in London. He glared at the sigil adorning the entrance that seemed to be neglecting it’s duties because fuck, Dan was messing with his mind and pulling him to do careless and reckless stunts.

He’s dangerous! Why wasn’t he spun around? He shouldn’t be here.

His mind cried frantically and the witch stumbled until he crashed his head into the cupboard overhead, hearing a clinking as something fell.

He needed his rest.

Phil shook his head at the weak justification his mind spit at him, tangling his fingers tighter in the strands.

He shouldn’t be doing this.

He couldn’t be doing this.

He couldn’t .

And yet as Phil observed the sleeping boy, he felt the guilt ease as a small snore ripped through the shop. Phil’s grip fell away from yanking his abused scalp and twitched as he resolutely turned away from Dan to grab the broom to start cleaning his mess.

He had done enough damage for the night.

If he whispered words under his breath that had orange Margikarps drifting around the tables and incantations that word let Dan hear the words he desired from others as he worked, he wouldn’t say a thing. If when the floor was clear and dry, he spotted the velvet rune bag on the floor…he wouldn’t deny it. If he hesitated to pick up the single smooth stone, no one would know. And maybe, just maybe- if the rune he picked up was the sharp edges of Berkano…

well…

Phil Lester kept his cards up his sleeve and his lips sealed.

Only…he couldn’t help but wonder what Dan would think.

#kat's writing #ambrose's writing #phan #phanfic #magic au #fanfiction #i could have gone one but figured this was a good stopping point #i may come back to this #possibly #phandom